Events

The Young Entrepreneurs of Lemonade Day 2019 /  by Lori Bigler

Back in may, in the run-up to Lemonade Day, we tried to promote the event by offering to promote pop-up lemonade stands using the WHCA web site, Facebook page, Twitter account and mailing list. We had four families take us up on the offer. Some sent pictures, which we offer here.

We received quite a number of comments about this activity. All but one were supportive of the idea. On that basis, it will continue. And it need not be confined to April & May. If your crew have a lemonade stand or similar exercise planned, let us know and we'll help spread the word.

Trash Bash 2019 - March 30, 2019 /  by Lori Bigler

The YMCA and Greater Northside Management District are teaming up to support Trash Bash 2019 at Little White Oak Bayou on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 8 am -12 pm.

Volunteers should register at Raven Tower, 310 North Street, or online in advance at http://www.trashbash.org/sites.html and select Little White Oak Bayou. Cleanup sites include Woodland Park, Moody Park and White Oak Music Hall. All volunteers are required to sign a liability release form. It is recommended that you wear and/or bring the following items: pants, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, rubber boots, and raingear. No sandals or flip-flops.

All volunteers must register or check in at Raven Tower beginning at 8 AM. Do not go to the cleanup site. You will receive gloves, trash bags, a ticket for lunch, and a ticket for door prizes. At 9 AM volunteers will board shuttles for transport to the cleanup site. Participants will return to Raven Tower at 11 AM for a free lunch, entertainment, door prizes, and fun environmental activities.

Fundraising walk set for April 27, 2019 /  by Lori Bigler

In Stude Park: benefits Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance

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The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance has announced that its “Step Forward for the Cure” walk, a fundraising event, will take place in Stude Park on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. outside the Community Center at 1031 Stude. The walk will start at 9:30.

The event supports raising awareness and funds for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) research, education and other services.

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder that causes non-cancerous tumors to form in many different organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin and lungs. TSC is also the leading known genetic cause of both epilepsy and autism.

For more information, including how to form a team for the walk, visit http://giving.tsalliance.org.

Cigna Sunday Streets /  by Lori Bigler

Cigna Sunday Streets Houston is an initiative to promote and improve the health of Houstonians. Cigna Sunday Streets Houston opens a stretch of streets normally reserved for cars and other vehicles to allow cycling, walking, dancing, socializing and provides a family-friendly opportunity to be physically active. Come out and enjoy Houston! Be sure to tag us in your pictures and videos #SSHTX!!!.

Date: March 24, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Location: West 19th Street between North Shepherd Dr. & Yale St.

Thank you to Cigna for their support and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

H-E-B Opens Long-Awaited Heights Store /  by Lori Bigler

HOUSTON, TEXAS – H-E-B made good on its promise to build a store for Houston’s Heights community by opening its newest multi-level location at 2300 N. Shepherd Drive (at 24th St.) on Wednesday, January 30th. The brand new, 92,000 sq.-ft. store features expansive shopping options, covered parking, and is equipped with elevators and escalators to easily navigate the double-story structure.

“We appreciate all of the support and effort by The Heights community that made it possible for HEB to build here”, said Scott McClelland, H-E-B President Food & Drug. Creating a store that captures the spirit of The Heights was our number one goal. I think we’ve been able to add to the character of the community with this store. It’s as good as we know how to build.”

In 2016, residents who lived within the boundaries that once defined a 104-year-old “dry” area of The Houston Heights voted to repeal the ban on the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption paving the way for H-E-B to build.

Tammy Hager, H-E-B Heights Top Store Leader, will lead a team of more than 388 Partners (employees), many of whom were recruited from three local high schools. “We wanted to give students an opportunity to connect with H-E-B and grow with us,” said Hager.

Hager, a 37-year grocery industry veteran and 15-year H-E-B Partner, has strong ties to the Heights area. She previously lived off 18th Street and regularly enjoyed the T.C. Jester and Buffalo Bayou bike trails while training for longer rides to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Members of her extended family were raised in in Cottage Grove, shopping the store previously located on the H-E-B Heights site and the H-E-B on T.C. Jester.

“In many ways for my family, it’s coming full circle, and we are excited to be a part of the new store,” added Hager. “This neighborhood is very special, it’s like no other in Houston. There is so much history and culture, much like the spirit of H-E-B.”

Continues at the HEB web site.

MextroNext Public Meeting Monday, January 28th /  by Lori Bigler

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METRO’s Board of Directors, led by Chair Carrin Patman, is developing a new plan for transit services in the Houston/Harris County region. It will be a forward-looking plan focused on providing more transportation choices to more people.

The planning process has been underway since 2017. The current phase in the process includes a series of public meetings to expose the draft plan for comment. The public meeting nearest to Woodland Heights is as follows:

Monday, January 28 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Fulbright Tower
1301 McKinney
Houston, Texas 77010

For more information about MetroNext see their website.

LITH 2018 Merchandise /  by Lori Bigler

Whew, 2018 Lights in the Heights is just a memory, now. And it still has us smiling — fun times, great folks, huge success! This year’s LITH has been a true labor-of-love, for the 2018 LITH Committee. On behalf of the entire LITH Committee, we want to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who supported LITH, in every way. In particular, Melissa McKee and Beth Allen-Brock send our special thanks to those who purchased LITH and WH branded merchandise. This year, merchandise sales topped $10,800, which generated profits of approximately $4400. Every penny of merchandise sales’ profit goes toward the expenses of 2018 Lights in the Heights.

Thank you, neighbors!!

LITH 2018 Acknowledgements /  by Lori Bigler

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Lights in the Heights is the result of a massive amount of work by a volunteer team of neighbors. With the event now well in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to extend a big thank you to the entire team of LITH 2018 Chairs and Volunteers!

Lights in the Heights Co-Chairs

  • Sharon Greiff

  • Susan Pennebaker

Lighter in the Heights Chair

  • Peggy Sparks

Holiday Bash Co-Chairs

  • Gabe Vick

  • Bridget Vick

  • Jason Williams

  • Kristi Williams

Silent Auction Chair

  • Lauren Snead

LITH Budget Chair

  • Melissa McKee

LITH Merchandise Co-Chairs

  • Beth Allen-Brock

  • Robyn Klepper

  • Melissa McKee

Friday Night Lights Chair

  • Katie McCafferty

LITH Volunteer Coordinator

  • Claire Getschow

Vendor Contracts, City Permits, Insurance Rider

  • Melissa Sternfels

  • Sharon Greiff

Communications Publisher and WHCA Web

  • Michael Graves

Distribution of Newsletters

  • Andrea Gorney

Art Direction and Graphic Design

  • Stella Espinosa

Luminaria Chair

  • Caroline Johnston

Printing Coordinator, Cookie Chair

  • Robyn Klepper

Block/Porch Generals

  • Meagan Mastal

  • Melissa Sternfels

Band/Porch Coordinators

  • Meredith Burke

  • Ward Pennebaker

  • Kent Brock

Awards Judging Chair

  • Stephanie Riceman

Luminaria Chair

  • Caroline Johnston

LITH Web Portal

  • Mark Sternfels

Thanks also to all volunteers who supported the above chairs with their time, ideas and do-nations.

Houston NFLer Brings 5k to Houston Heights to raise $50,000 for Sickle Cell Charity in Honor of Late Twin Brother /  by Lori Bigler

Click above for the PDF flier.

Click above for the PDF flier.

HOUSTON (November 5, 2018) – As One Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by retired NFL star Devard Darling, will host its 9th Annual Darling Dash 5k sponsored by UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. The event will take place at 8 a.m. on Feb. 24 at Stude Park in the Houston (1031 Stude Street, Houston, TX 77007.) A growing list of pro athletes, including former Houston Texans’ Chester Pitts, FSU Seminole’s Myron Rolle and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Darrius Heyward-Bey have been invited to be on hand for photos and autographs. This year, the team with the largest number of participants will have VIP access and a tent outfitted with special prizes.

A former wide receiver for the NFL, Darling founded As One Foundation in memory of his identical twin brother, Devaughn, whose death was related to sickle cell disease. The dash will fund As One Foundation’s Operation Hydration. The training program educates student athletes, coaches and staff about the correlation between sickle cell attacks and poor hydration. Proceeds will also go to the foundation’s scholarship program. “I know how terrible it feels to lose someone you love,” said Darling. “It pains me my brother’s death could’ve easily been prevented if we were more informed about sickle cell. Our goal is to prevent tragedies like this from happening through awareness and support.”

Online registration is open at DarlingDash5k.com through race day from $25 to $40 and the first 1,000 finishers will receive medals. The goal is to raise $50,000 and exceed past prior fundraising efforts.

The 2019 Darling Dash marks the 18th anniversary of Devaughn Darling’s death at 18 due to exhaustion and dehydration during football practice. Both Darling brothers carry the sickle cell trait, which can be fatal when paired with physical rigor and lack of hydration.

According to the American Football Coaches Association, sickle cell trait-related deaths lead the causes of death of collegiate football players. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease. The CDC states people with sickle cell disease have less access to comprehensive care than people with genetic disorders such as hemophilia and cystic fibrosis.

ABOUT AS ONE FOUNDATION
The mission of As One Foundation is to educate and increase awareness of sickle cell trait while encouraging youth to achieve their dreams in the face of life’s challenges. On Feb. 26, 2001, Devaughn Darling lost his life due to sickle cell disease coupled with exhaustion during spring football practice at Florida State University. His identical twin brother, Devard Darling, persevered after the tragedy. He became an NFL star, but his most noteworthy accomplishment was founding As One Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring Devaughn’s life while elevating awareness of sickle cell trait. For more information on As One Foundation visit, www.AsOneFoundation.org and @AsOneFoundation on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

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Friday Night Lights - on Sunday! /  by Lori Bigler

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A portion of the family fun originally planned for the FNL event last week has been rescheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, December 16th.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Woodland Heights at the Norhill Esplanade on Sunday afternoon, December 16 from 3:30-5:30. Neighbors wishing to participate in Operation: Stocking Stuffer can bring an unwrapped, unopened new toy to the event where the donation boxes will be set up. There will be s’mores and the final sale of LITH merchandise for 2018.

Lights in the Heights 2018 Winning Homes /  by Lori Bigler

The LITH judging committee toured the route Thursday evening with the help of Jeff Trevino and his open-air art-mobile. The following are this year’s award winning homes:

  • MOST COLORFUL – 514 Euclid

  • MOST FESTIVE – 412 Euclid

  • MOST CREATIVE – 529 Highland

  • MOST WATTAGE – 419 Euclid

  • MOST RELIGIOUS – 402 Byrne

  • BEST THEME – 309 Euclid

  • BEST SINGLE COLOR: 530 Byrne

  • MOST TRADITIONAL – 418 Byrne

  • PICK OF THE NIGHT – 501 Euclid

  • HO-HO-HO – 406 Byrne

  • BEST PORCH – 711 Euclid

  • BEST BLOCK – 400 Byrne

  • BEST NOT-QUITE-A-BLOCK – 1000 Euclid / condo complex

  • MOST MYSTICAL – 713 Byrne

  • BEST FOSSIL – 428 Byrne

  • “THE MOST” – 1020 East 7th

  • MOST HISTORICAL – 518 Byrne

  • BEST BLOW-UPS – 313 Byrne

  • BEST ON-4-WHEELS – Decorated vintage truck on 1000 block of 7th

Friday Night Lights 2018 /  by Lori Bigler

Kick off your Lights in the Heights weekend at Friday Night Lights on Friday, December 7 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm on Norhill Esplanade. At this festive event, neighbors can gather around the campfire and toast marshmallows or enjoy dinner from a local food truck under the glow of Jurassic Christmas displays.

Lights in the Heights merchandise will be on sale all night, so be sure to grab your private party signs and keepsakes. Some of our generous sponsors, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights and H-E-B, will also be at the event to spread the holiday cheer.

Enjoy the lights around the neighborhood by hopping on the famed hayride, starting at 5:30. Children can take part in a 30-year-old neighborhood tradition at the craft tent and decorate a luminaria. And while you are enjoying all the fun, keep your ear out for sleigh bells because Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6:30.

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To give back as a neighborhood, Woodland Heights will host a toy drive in coordination with the Lights and the Heights festivities. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Norhill Esplanade on Friday, December 7 from 5-9 pm or Saturday, December 8 from 9 am - 12pm. There will be large donation boxes with the Operation: Stocking Stuffer logo for your gift.

To volunteer to help with FNL please contact katie.m.mccafferty@gmail.com.

Lights in the Heights Route Map /  by Lori Bigler

You can click on the map image above to download a PDF copy of the reference route map.

You can click on the map image above to download a PDF copy of the reference route map.

We’ve had a lot of feedback concerning the traffic congestion and the fact that some of our streets are practically impossible to have two-way traffic flow with parking on both sides. To alleviate this, we are trying something new this year; one-way traffic flow with parking on both sides for the majority of our east-west streets. Bayland, Pecore and White Oak will remain two-way streets.

Also, all of Norhill with the North side blocked off but allowing for East/West traffic on Bayland.

Bike Houston will be providing secure bike parking at the North end of the Norhill Esplanade.

Please! Please! Do not block driveways!

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Better yet, if you need a ride into the neighborhood, use Lyft! This year we are proud to partner with Lyft to help you get to and from Lights in the Heights safely. Share the promo code HEIGHTSLIGHTS with your friends and party guests, and they will receive 50% off (up to $5) of two rides during Lights in the Heights.

Lyft is operating an official, fully-staffed pickup and drop-off station at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 600 Pecore.

https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS

Otherwise, very limited parking is available in the neighborhood, including at Vineyard Church, Zion Church (fee applies), Woodland Park, and Stude Park.

Sharon Greiff, LITH Co-chair

LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS DECORATIONS JUDGING – Thursday December 6th! /  by Lori Bigler

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The judging committee will be rolling down the route Thursday evening on the 6th, so make sure to have your decorations lit if you would like to participate. If you’re ON the route, you’re automatically in the running.

If you’re OFF the route, you’ll need to nominate your house or your neighbors by emailing robyn.klepper@nadel.com so the judges can be sure to include you in the competition.

This year there will also be a BEST BLOCK competition (on-route only), so get busy stringing up those lights with your neighbors! Good luck to you all!

Calling all Bakers! Porch Cookies needed for Lights in the Heights. /  by Lori Bigler

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LITH committee is needing volunteers to help with cookie baking. The cookies are a long-standing tradition provided to the houses that volunteer their porches for the night’s live entertainment along the official route. Be a part of the tradition and fire up those ovens! Cookies will need to be delivered between December the 6th and the 7th – any time of the day.

If you can help out, please email robyn.klepper@nadel.com to sign up for more details.

Lights in the Heights® has teamed up with Lyft, because we care. /  by Lori Bigler

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We care about your safety.

Don't risk drinking and driving, even a short distance. Take Lyft to the Light up the Night Holiday Bash at 1111 Studewood on November 3 for half off (up to $5) on two rides, with promo code HEIGHTSBASH. Restrictions apply. Click here https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSBASH for more info.

We care about your concerns.

We understand that traffic and parking is an issue the night of Lights in the Heights. To help ease the congestion, Lyft will have a dedicated Pick-up and Drop-off location for Lights in the Heights attendees on 600 Pecore at St. Mark's Methodist. Lyft will provide on-site support staff to assist passengers and direct traffic, lighting and displays, seating, and other services at this designated location. Please share this link (https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS)with your friends and party guests so they'll get half off (up to $5) on two rides during Lights in the Heights on Dec 8, with promo code HEIGHTSLIGHTS. Restrictions apply.

https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS

Lighter-in-the-Heights Update /  by Lori Bigler

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Many, many thanks to the numerous generous neighbors that donated items to be sold at our Community Sale to benefit Lights in the Heights. We had a huge variety of sale goods and there was something for every shopper.

The sale was scheduled for Saturday, September 29th and got rained out after a short time. Even though the rains came, we made over $900 that first day and another $800 the following day. The rain date was Saturday, October 6th and we publicized again and held the sale all day.

Our grand total is.......(drum roll please) $3,270.85!

In addition, we have several valuable pieces of art that we withheld from the sale. When sold at the coming bash auction we are hoping that these pieces will bring our income up to over $4,000 in support of Lights in the Heights!

In addition to the Community Sale that was graciously hosted by Sharon Greiff at her home, the following neighbors hosted garage sales and donated 20% of their proceeds to the Lights in the Heights fundraising efforts:

  • Stephanie Leachman

  • Ted Harris

  • Steve Pagan

  • Kim Lytle

  • Linda Ebaugh

  • Jenn Jacobs

  • Julie Miller

  • Debbie Markey

  • Robyn Klepper

  • and William Zakroff

Thank you for all of your hard work and perseverance through the rain storms and the humidity that followed.

Thanks again to not only the generous donors and to the hosted garage sales throughout the neighborhood that made their homes "Lighter" but to the many neighbors that came out and shopped our sale and made our load of items "Lighter".

And of course, we could not have accomplished the sale without the help of the committee persons and neighbors who came out in the early morning hours and contended with the heavy rainstorms to set up and then move everything back inside and then out again.

Special thanks to Susan Pennebaker, Melissa McKee, Beth Allen-Brock, Megan Mastal, Paul and Frances Chan, Tiffany Tyler, Cathy Courtney, Debbie Hall, Claire Getschow, Judy Hoke-Meschwitz, Jackie Cook, Janice Hoxworth, Anne Edwards, Erin Burnett, Louise Moss, and Carmen Sumrall.

I know there were others who came out and donated their valuable time in the rain, heat, and humidity. Another special shout out to Margot Dimond for providing the widespread publicity. Thanks to each and every one of you. We could not have accomplished this fundraising effort without the team of volunteers!

This is a fabulous giving neighborhood that we live in!

- Peggy Sparks
Chairperson,
“Lighter in the Heights”

Learn Local Charity Open presented by First Imperial Mortgage /  by Lori Bigler

October 20, 2018

For Immediate Release:

Learn Local is hosting its third annual golf tournament on November 3, 2018 at Clear Creek Golf Club. The tournament is always a fun outing. The format is a casual, four-person, best ball scramble. All skill levels are welcome and is open to players 16 and up. $100 player fee ($350 for foursomes) includes green fees and golf cart, lunch, 4 drink tickets, 1 entry into the Putting Contest and player swag bags.

All proceeds will once again benefit Hogg Outdoors – a capital campaign to raise funds for enhancement to Hogg Middle School’s outdoor facilities. We are thrilled to share that demolition on the field & basketball court has begun. We hope the work will move quickly and we will have a new basketball court, field and track soon. The new fields will also include new outdoor seating, scoreboard, baseball and softball batting cages, and irrigation to keep the fields green. Once this phase is underway, we will start the design for Phase Two which includes acrylic surfacing on the basketball court and a playground for the students and neighborhood to enjoy.

Learn Local, Hogg families, SPARK, and Heights Community Business Partners have already raised over $140,000 toward the initiative! We still need additional donors to help achieve this vision for Hogg Middle School and for the community. We are very close to meeting our Phase One goals and a successful golf tournament will get us there.

Hogg Middle School is a STEM Magnet and an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program in the heart of the Woodland Heights neighborhood and is a feeder school for nine local elementary schools and Heights High School. Great strides are being made including having a wait list for the first time for the 2017-2018 school enrollment period. The historic school building has undergone renovation and beautification in the last few years and now efforts are being focused on bringing the same rejuvenation to the outdoor facilities. Learn Local is a grassroots non-profit created by community-minded, Heights neighborhood parents who are committed to making Hogg a first-class middle school and the first choice for local children.

Register or donate online at www.learnlocalopen.com

Prizes include Winning team, Closest to the Pin, Women’s and Men’s Longest Drive, Putting Contest and Honesty Award - donated by Liberty Kitchen, Buchanan’s Native Plants, 8th Wonder Distillery and Brewery, Pink’s Pizza, iPadel Houston, Pedras Wine, RIDE Indoor Cycling Studio, Arcis Golf Players Club and more.

Generous Community Sponsors include:
First Imperial Mortgage – Title Sponsor
Marianne and Kenny Terrell of Boulevard Realty – Golf Cart Sponsor
Ashley Day of Circa Realty – Swag Bag Sponsor
Lucas Craftsmanship – Putting Green Sponsor

Hole Sponsors: Caroline Schlemmer, L&B Limited, Bicycle Bungalows, Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Michalson Builders, Monarch Roofing, Nations Construction Management, Peltier Brothers Construction.

Register or donate online at learnlocalopen.com

For more information contact Shea Hill, Tournament Chair.

713-449-1850

tou_shea@yahoo.com

www.learnlocalopen.com

About Learn Local: Founded on September 24, 2013, our mission is to establish a bridge for our children between our successful Heights neighborhood elementary schools and Hogg Middle School, enabling progression within our strong, unique community.

Learn Local is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

And the Winning Bid Goes To … /  by Lori Bigler

This year’s Light Up the Night Holiday Bash will feature a live auction of special items:

Cooking class with Jay Francis for you and 5 friends. You'll learn to make a German chocolate cake, almond biscotti, and a surprise dessert. Date to be mutually agreed upon.

Meet with Meek – Renowned artist Bill Meek of Meek Gallery will host you and 20 friends with a wine and lite bites evening at his gallery. Bill will demonstrate his unique glass sculpturing and contouring techniques. Date to be mutually agreed upon.

Wine Lover’s Dream – Your WHCA Board has thoughtfully filled the Little Red Wagon with choice bottles of red and white.

Conroe Lakehouse Get-away for a Week– Relax in this 3-2 Walden lake house on the water. Bring your boat or rent one at the Walden Marina for a scenic cruise of this 30-mile long lake. Lounge on the large porch with a good book, or fish off your dock. Date to be mutually agreed upon.

Holiday Hayride – Celebrate the season by touring the 2018 LITH streets and neighborhood in style on Monday, December 17, from 6 – 8 pm. Departs from Buchanan’s on 11th Street at 6 pm sharp. 15 spots, shared ride. This ride normally books a year in advance, so don't miss out!

Get your ticket soon so that you can be one of the winning bidders!

Light up the Night Holiday Bash
Saturday, November 3, 2018, 7 – 11 pm
Roof-top of 1111 Studewood

Join this unique opportunity!